Featuring Adam Chekroud, MSc, MPhil, PhD, Human Neuroscience Laboratory, Yale University. By participating in this live activity, participants should be able to recognize machine learning as a statistical technique that can be used to predict clinical outcomes in psychiatry, understand that self-report information can be used to predict the likelihood of remission for a patient with depression, and understand that existing data, from TCTs or EMRs, can be repurposed and reused to generate new insights when you use new statistical tools.

Hartford Healthcare is accredited by the CSMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Hartford Healthcare designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™.

The lecture is also streamed live through the VMR app at meet.iolhartford@video.hhchealth.org. For additional information about Professional Education at the IOL, visit https://instituteofliving.org/GrandRounds.

November 3 Hartford Hospital Grand Rounds: "Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma"

Gilman Auditorium 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Join us for this Hartford Hospital Grand Rounds, sponsored by the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute: “Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma," presented by Jana Portnow, MD, Associate Director of the City of Hope Brain Tumor Program. Following this activity, participants should be able to discuss the concepts of immunotherapy as a cancer therapeutic, describe prior and current immunotherapy trials for malignant glioma, and explain future strategies to harness immunotherapy for glioblastoma.

Hartford Healthcare designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.

November 6 - 10 Compliance Week

HHC is celebrating Compliance Week and you are invited. Watch your email box on Monday, Nov. 6 for an invitation to complete the Office of Compliance and Integrity Week online quiz. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a variety or prizes.

Stop by on the following dates/times to meet with staff from the HHC Office of Compliance and Integrity, have some fun and learn something new in the process:

October 26 Honoring Perinatal Loss Service

Noon Lazowski/Kiely Multifaith Chapel

October 27 Open Enrollment Ends

Open Enrollment takes place once a year. This is a great time to review your coverage and make sure you have the right benefits for you and your family. During this time, you may add or drop coverage and dependents. For most employees, Open Enrollment is the only time when you may change your benefits elections. Visit https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/human-resources/benefits for more information.

Get Your Flu Shot by November 6

The complete Employee Vaccination Clinic Schedule for Hartford Hospital – including satellite locations, peer-to-peer vaccination locations and information about the vaccination cart for off-shift staff members – is here on HHC Connect.

Flu shots are also available every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Occupational Health Services in the Brownstone Building. Don’t forget: All non-exempted staff members must be vaccinated by Nov. 6, 2017.

November 7 'We’re on the Right Track' LGBTQ Networking Event

6 to 8 p.m. Hartford Room, Commons Building, IOL

You are invited to our 5th annual LGBTQ Networking Event to celebrate the opening of The Right Track/LGBTQ Specialty Track in Young Adult Services. Dr. Laura Saunders will kick off our five-year celebration by reviewing triumphs and learning moments in LGBTQ mental health over the years.

This year’s event will feature a panel of LGBTQ young adults sharing some of their experiences with the mental health and educational system. Attendees will be given an opportunity to ask the panelists questions, as well.

This event is sponsored by the Family Resource Center at the Institute of Living. There will be opportunities to connect and network with other providers who specialize in this population. Beverages and hors d’oeuvre will be served.

November 9

12th Annual Interdisciplinary Transplant Symposium

Sheraton Hartford South, 100 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill

Solid organ transplantation has become the standard of care for individuals with end-stage kidney, liver or heart disease. There are more than 123,000 people in the United States on the United Network for Organ Sharing wait list. Advances through research have significantly impacted the success rates of transplantation, resulting in increased life years and improved quality of life for transplant recipients. Care of patients pre and post transplant is conducted in collaboration with community providers. Participants who attend this symposium will be able to apply updated therapies to the care of individuals with end-stage organ disease.

To register online, click here. To register by phone, call 1.855.442.4373. Questions may be directed to Cammi Modlesky, Outreach Coordinator, Transplant Program at 860.972.4738.

November 18 The Clinical Intersection of HIV/AIDS: A Practical Discussion of Connecticut's Course Mandates

7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. MidState Medical Center Conference Centers I-IV

State Mandated CME for Providers, Sponsored by HHC and the New England AIDS Education Training Center. As a result of participating in this live activity, participants should be able to review current best practice recommendations for HIV/AIDS patients and their providers in the areas of risk management, cultural competency, domestic violence, sexual assault, pain management and opioid safety, infectious disease, and behavioral health (including Veterans Health).

Hartford Healthcare is accredited by the CSMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Hartford Healthcare designates this live activity for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (s).

Through October 31

Pumpkintown USA

Looking for something fun to do this fall? Check out Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton! A portion of ticket sales will benefit Hartford Hospital.

Pumpkintown USA is a non-scary fall activity for kids of all ages. It is open daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., including Columbus Day. Visit the Pumpkinheads where they work and play. Your entire family will enjoy a stroll through Pumpkintown Village where over 70 pumpkinhead people and animals enjoy life in their old-fashioned village complete with a church, post office, saloon, and more. Weekend activities include a huge Moonbounce Pumpkin, face painting, and a unique Sling-a-Ding game.The Ride at Pumpkintown is a great family activity. At just under a mile long, this hay ride will take you through Pumpkintown Forest. Hop on the hay wagon and catch a glimpse of over 30 Pumpkinheads and their woodland dwellings. For more information, visit http://www.pumpkintown.com/.

ThroughDecember 14

Mindfulness is a way of learning to be fully present in the moment. The curriculum was developed by the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The course is designed to teach participants how to integrate mindfulness in their everyday lives and how to meet challenges with greater awareness and compassion.

This 8-week course includes mandatory orientation on 10/5, 8 weekly classes (2.5 hours each), one day-long retreat on December 3, guided instruction and mindfulness meditation practices, gentle stretching, mindful yoga, group dialogue aimed at cultivating awareness in everyday life and daily home assignments, including four home practice meditations.

Fee is $450 for HHC employees and $500 for others. Pre-registration is required at www.hartfordhealthcare.org/events or 1.855.442.4373. Contact the instructor, Amanda Votto, PA-C, MBSR, for more information.

November 9

12th Annual Interdisciplinary Transplant Symposium

Sheraton Hartford South Hotel 100 Capital Boulevard, Rocky Hill

Solid organ transplantation has become the standard of care for individuals with end-stage kidney, liver or heart disease. There are more than 123,000 people in the United States on the United Network for Organ Sharing wait list. Advances through research have significantly impacted the success rates of transplantation, resulting in increased life years and improved quality of life for transplant recipients. Care of patients pre and post transplant is conducted in collaboration with community providers. Participants who attend this symposium will be able to apply updated therapies to the care of individuals with end-stage organ disease.

The fee for this conference is $100. To register online, click here. To register by phone, call 1.855.442.4373. Questions may be directed to Cammi Modlesky, Outreach Coordinator, Transplant Program at 860.972.4738..

CESI offering paramedic training program

Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI) is now offering a paramedic training program beginning this September. The program consists of four 15-week semesters covering anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, out-of-hospital advanced life support, scene management and Emergency Medical Services operations. Upon successful completion, students will be qualified to sit for a state licensing exam. The tuition fee is $8,000, but can be paid in installments of $2,000 at the start of each semester.

Employees can visit https://hartfordhospital.enrollware.com to sign up for a free informational session or register for our next available program. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also email questions to paramedic.training@hhchealth.org.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Now Available

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human service workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or is in crisis. This training is typically $120 per person but is offered free through the Institute of Living’s Family Resource Center.

The course teaches a 5-step action plan for crisis and non-crisis situations. After attending all 8 hours, you will be a certified Mental Health First Aider.

Classes held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Nov. 8, 2017; and Feb. 13, Mar. 10, May 12, June 1, July 21, and Sept. 12, 2018. All sessions held in the Commons Building, Hartford Room, 2nd Floor at the Institute of Living. Registration is required: Click here.

Nutrition Care Manual

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Manual (NCM) is a diet and professional practice manual for registered dietitian nutritionists; dietetic technicians, registered; and allied health professionals. Our web-based version of the Nutrition Care Manual is the approved resource for the department of Food and Nutrition at Hartford Hospital. Any clinical staff member can access the Nutrition Care Manual through the Hartford Hospital Intranet and gives you online access to evidence- and knowledge-based nutrition information that keeps you current and compliant. The NCM is a great resource for patient education materials.

Cancer Clinical Research Office

Hartford HealthCare's Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI) offers a variety of courses designed to meet the needs and schedules of busy healthcare providers. All our courses are available in a traditional classroom style format, while our BLS and ACLS courses have the additional option of using online learning through the HeartCode platform. HeartCode allows students to complete the training online at their own pace, on their own schedule, followed by a one to one and half hour skills check. We can also provide customized courses for groups of people so we can meet their specialized needs.

To have BLS, ACLS or PALS Heartcode loaded please email Heartcode@hhchealth.org and include which heartcode you need loaded, your employee number, and your department that you work in. If your department does not cover the cost of BLS, ACLS or PALS a credit card number must be provided before Heartcode can be loaded to your Healthstream.

Ongoing Research Studies

Research Orientation

Research Administration is pleased to provide an orientation session to review the research services provided to our clinicians.

The session will include an introduction to our data management services, protocol development and statistical analysis assistance and grant writing support. Our current IRB processes will also be discussed. Attached please find the orientation outline.

This one hour program can be offered on a day and time to meet individual or team schedules.

Employee DiscountsDiscounts are set up by the recreation and discounts committee of the Employees' Council. Go to the Employee Recreation/Discounts page on the intranet for more information.

November 17

Disney Live! Mickey & Minnie's Doorway To Magic

4 p.m. AND 7 p.m. XL Center, Hartford

Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite Disney characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the spectacular stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise into the sky amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know what to expect or who might join in the fun. In Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic you hold the ultimate key to unlocking your imagination.

Discounts on Infinity Hall Shows

HHC Employees can get an exclusive 15% discount on most shows to Infinity Hall Hartford and Infinity Hall Norfolk. Visit www.infinityhall.com for a list of the shows and to order tickets. Enter the code HHCMUSIC to receive the discount. If you prefer to go to the box office to purchase your tickets you can show your Hartford HealthCare badge to obtain the discount.

DELL Computer Discounts

HHC employees have access to a special Online Ticket Ordering Program for events at the Bushnell. This program provides the benefit of ordering individual tickets online and, if applicable, at a discounted price

Hover over SHOWS AND CONCERTS then click on the ONLINE GROUP PROGRAM link.

Enter HORACE as the password.

Complete and submit the form, using HHC as group name. You will be contacted by us for payment.

Tickets will be mailed to you.

Not all show dates or performances are available through this program.Tickets available up to 2 weeks prior to curtain.There is a $6 per order handling fee and $3 per ticket surcharge will be applied.All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be granted.Discount not applicable to previously purchased ticket.Not available in person.For questions, contact groups@bushnell.org or 860.987.5959.

Discounts on XL Center Events

HHC Employees can get a discount on most XL Center events. We will list them as they become available. Discounts vary by event. You can order tickets:

Discount at Sher's Automotive Center

HHC Employees can get a discount at Sher's Automotive Center in Hartford. Choose either 10% off all parts and labor in excess of $150, or a $50 discount towards the purchase of four tires. Shuttle service from Sher's to Hartford Hospital is available beginning at 6:30 a.m. For more information call Mike at 860.527.0185.

Discounts at Central Rock Climbing Center in Glastonbury

Hartford HealthCare employees can save 50% at Central Rock Climbing Center, 259 Eastern Boulevard, in Glastonbury. For $40 you can get an unlimited month pass, with gear and a beginner class included,normally $79. For more information, call Alex Taylor at 860.659.8260.

Discount at Sprint

For more information, call Sprint Sales at 866.639.8354 or contact Jennifer MacDonald at 203.410.2044 or Jennifer.MacDonald@sprint.com

Free Entrance to Connecticut Science Center

All Hartford HealthCare staff members can get free admission into the Connecticut Science Center (a $19 value) with their employee badge.

It's Pumpkin Season in the Cafeteria

It's here: Pumpkin Spice Coffee is now available in the cafeteria. The theme for October is "Pumpkin Madness." Visit the cafeteria for special pumpkin-themed items such as spice bread, pie, pancakes, oatmeal, fritters, chowder, french toast and more. View the full calendar of offerings here.

Employee Assistance Program

The Solutions Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided free of charge by Hartford HealthCare and available to all Hartford HealthCare Employees and their families.

EAP offers up to 3 sessions of CONFIDENTIAL, free of charge sessions and help with referrals for treatment resources beyond the EAP. EAP has an office in the Education and Resource Center (ERC) as well as a statewide and national network of professional EAP counselors where employees and their family members can be seen. All EAP providers are Master’s or Doctoral level counselors.

This important resource is available 24/7 by calling toll free at 1.800.526.3485 or visiting www.solutions-eap.com. You will be set up with a face-to-face appointment session at a time and location that is convenient to you. Or if you or your family member prefers, telephone counseling can also be arranged. Persons with a hearing or speech disability may call 800.842.9710 or 711 to reach Relay CT--ask to be connected to Solutions at 800.526.3485. This is a free service.

HH Digital Print Center, Here For Your Printing Needs

If your department needs printed materials, the Digital Print Center (DPC) right on the Hartford Hospital campus offers a wide array of cost-effective options – from brochures and booklets to wide format posters and business cards. Bookmark the DPC webpage on your web browser for convenient access. When you create an account, you can easily upload your print request and place your order. The DPC typically turns around jobs in just a few days.

Fun fact: The DPC has printed over 91,000 jobs since it opened in June 2003!

Barney Employee Fitness Center

Open 24/7

The center offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment and free weights, functional movement screenings and exercise programs to help you prevent injuries, weight-loss exercise programs, diet and nutrition counseling. The staff is all nationally certified. For more information, call the Fitness Center at 860.972.3077.

Employees Council

All employees are invited to attend meetings, which are held once a month. Date for general council meetings listed on the Employees Council intranet page. You can also call 860.545.3904 or email Employee.Council@hhchealth.org to arrange a convenient date and time to meet with the chairperson of the council.

Have your annual mammogram at Hartford Hospital

Employees can get a screening mammogram as a walk-in or call 860.972.2813 to make an appointment.

Hartford Hospital Trading Post

Trading Post Swap supplies or advertise your items for sale on the Hartford Hospital Trading Post, a free online classified ad site developed for employees. You can find the Trading Post under Employee Services on the Intranet home page: http://hhblogs.hhcsystem.org/tradingpost/

Weight Watchers at Hartford Hospital

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.in Dining Room B, Except on October 18, November 15 and December 20.

October 23 Deadline for Employees' Council Holiday Basket Drive Applications

Requests to sponsor a family are now being accepted for the Employees' Council Holiday Basket Drive. Thank you in advance for your generosity and willingness to adopt and sponsor a family in need this holiday season. The process this year has changed to all electronic forms.

The holiday gift basket sponsor form will provide us with necessary information about your group and help maintain an efficient process for assigning families. The form can be foundhere. Contact Nicole LaBarre or Patricia Graham if you have any questions.

The application form is confidential. Please complete the application form in its entirety; incomplete forms will not be eligible for consideration.

Email the completed form to PatriciaC.graham@hhchealth.org by October 23, 2017. Applications received after this date will not be eligible for consideration.

Eligible Participants: All Hartford Hospital Employees/Patients. We are not able to guarantee Holiday Baskets to all applicants. Based on the number of donations received, 50 recipient families will be selected for 2017. Holiday Baskets will be ready for pick-up beginning December 18, 2017. Recipients will be notified and should be prepared to pick up their baskets as soon as possible between December 18th and 22nd. A pre-stamped thank you note will be included with all baskets. Notes are to be completed and returned to the Employees' Council by January, 2018, which will be sent to those who sponsored them.

Note: Baskets are not given to the same family in consecutive years. Basket recipients from the 2016 season are not eligible for 2017 Holiday Baskets.

November 30 United Way Community Campaign Vendor Fair

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special Dining Room

We are pleased to announce the return of Hartford Hospital’s 2017 United Way Community Campaign Vendor Fair.

We are currently looking for vendors to participate in this fair. If you are interested, please contact Sara Chaffee, PA-C, or Nicole Dunn, APRN. Reservations are on a first come, first served basis. All reservations must be received by November 1. We expect a good flow of Hartford Hospital staff and visitors through-out the day, so bring plenty of goods to sell.

All donations are tax deductible and all monies raised will go directly to the United Way to help them achieve their annual campaign goal and most importantly to support our local families.

Volunteers Needed for No One Dies Alone Program

Won’t you consider joining the employees who are currently volunteering for the nationally recognized program called No One Dies Alone (NODA)? A “compassionate companion” volunteer provides reassuring presence to patients who would otherwise die alone. With the support of the nursing staff, companions are able to help provide patients with that most valuable of human gifts: a dignified death. .

Attendance at a three hour training session is required. Upcoming training sessions are being offered:

Help Connecticut Get a Donate Life License Plate

Show your support for organ donation by signing up for a specialty interest ‘Donate Life’ license plate. The Department of Motor Vehicles needs 400 orders before they will begin offering these unique Donate Life plates to the public--that's why every plate sign-up counts!

The Donate Life design will be $65 for a regular special interest plate or $134 for a vanity special interest plate.

Signing up is now easier than ever. Contact Jami Tyska at 860.972.0620 or Jami.Tyska@hhchealth.org for more information.

New Donation Bin for Magazines, Books, Puzzles, and More

Bring recent magazines to the department of Volunteer Services (Bliss 109A) who will distribute them to patients and families through the book cart and waiting room areas. Decks of cards, books of crossword puzzles/word search/Sudoku are also need. Donation bins are located near the Bliss Wing elevators.

Featuring Adam Chekroud, MSc, MPhil, PhD, Human Neuroscience Laboratory, Yale University. By participating in this live activity, participants should be able to recognize machine learning as a statistical technique that can be used to predict clinical outcomes in psychiatry, understand that self-report information can be used to predict the likelihood of remission for a patient with depression, and understand that existing data, from TCTs or EMRs, can be repurposed and reused to generate new insights when you use new statistical tools.

Hartford Healthcare is accredited by the CSMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Hartford Healthcare designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™.

November 3 Hartford Hospital Grand Rounds: "Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma"

Gilman Auditorium 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Join us for this Hartford Hospital Grand Rounds, sponsored by the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute: “Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma," presented by Jana Portnow, MD, Associate Director of the City of Hope Brain Tumor Program. Following this activity, participants should be able to discuss the concepts of immunotherapy as a cancer therapeutic, describe prior and current immunotherapy trials for malignant glioma, and explain future strategies to harness immunotherapy for glioblastoma.

Hartford Healthcare designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.

IOL Psychiatric Grand Rounds

​

Grand rounds lectures take place on Thursdays from Noon to 1 p.m. followed by a 15-minute Q&A session, in the Hartford Room, IOL Commons Building. (Case Conferences and resident presentations may have a slightly different schedule.) Check our website for updated information regarding these lectures. For more information about Professional Education at the IOL contact John Goethe, MD, or visit the IOL's website.

New Housestaff Residents and Fellows

Park in an unauthorized area? You will be towed.

We have been experiencing a continuing problem with employees parking in unauthorized areas, particularly around the apartments on Retreat Avenue and Jefferson Street. These parking areas are exclusively for apartment tenants and signs are posted to that effect. Any vehicles parked in these areas that do not belong to tenants will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Parking is a privilege and Hartford Hospital reserves the right to cease issuing or to revoke parking privileges at any time. Please review our parking policies and always park in your assigned area. Any employee in violation of these policies could be ticketed, fined or towed at their expense.

Know someone who is leaving Hartford Hospital?

If you or someone you know is resigning or transferring from Hartford Hospital, we are interested in learning about your experiences here. The exit interview questionnaire is now available electronically. It is user-friendly and accessible 24 hours a day. All responses are confidential and will remain anonymous. Your participation will help us analyze the factors contributing to our turnover and make Hartford Hospital a better place to work. Click here to access the survey or navigate to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HHexitinterview.

Do you have a Gold Medal Manager?

Great managers inspire us to do our best. Let’s recognize them and tell their stories so that we all can learn and grow.

Policy and Procedure Manual Update

Throughout the year, changes and revisions to the Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual are communicated and distributed. The following policy has been revised and updated. A brief overview of the changes is provided.

If you are a holder of a hard copy manual, please print out the policy listed below and add or replace the policy in your manual. Please be reminded the hard copy manual must be located in an area that allows free access to departmental employees, particularly those who do not have access to the Hospital intranet. Please post this notice for employees in your organization without access to Outlook.

HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL REVISED POLICIES November 2016 Throughout the year, changes and revisions to the Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual are communicated and distributed. The following policy has been revised and updated. A brief overview of the changes is provided. If you are a holder of a hard copy manual, please print out the policy listed below and add or replace the policy in your manual. Please be reminded the hard copy manual must be located in an area that allows free access to departmental employees, particularly those who do not have access to the Hospital intranet. Please post this notice for employees in your organization without access to Outlook.Policy 111 - Workplace Violence Prevention Policy: This policy is being revised for formatting and change in terminology. The name “Security” Department is changed to reflect the new name of “Public Safety” and the term “staff member” has been changed to “employee”.Policy 111.1 - Workplace Violence Prevention Policy: This policy is being revised for formatting and for change in terminology. The name “Security” Department is changed to reflect the new name of “Public Safety” and the term “staff member” has been changed to “employee”.Policy 119 – Fitness for Duty Policy: This policy is being revised for formatting and change in terminology. The term “employed staff member” has been changed to “employee”. Policy 208 – Recruiting and Selection Policy: This policy is being removed from the Policy manual.Policy 216 Transfer Policy – HH/HHC: This policy has been revised to add Hartford Hospital procedural language on Page 5.Policy 508 – Cash Balance Retirement Plan Policy: This policy is being removed from the Policy manual.Policy 701 – Career Opportunities Policy: This policy is being removed from the Policy manual.

Add Your Photo To Your Outlook Email Profile

In an effort to foster better communications and to put “a face to the name,” the ITS and Planning and Marketing Departments have created a process to allow staff to add their photograph to the Outlook Email profile via our HHC Intranet portal. If you would like to have your photo become part of your Outlook email you simply visit your profile page on the Intranet, located at: https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/my-profile Then you upload your photograph using the instructions on the Intranet and the next day your photograph will be part of your Outlook Email profile. This is the first in many data integration projects that are underway. ITS is currently working on a solution to synchronize other Intranet data to your Outlook email profile. Stay tuned there is lots more to come! If you have problems uploading a photo to the Intranet, there is a Help and Feedback section here: https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/help-feedback And a bug submission form here: https://intranet.hartfordhealthcare.org/help-feedback/feedback-suggestions

Every day, teams across Hartford HealthCare connect to healthier by working together to provide higher quality care and service. The annual Making a Difference Together Award recognizes this vital cross-system collaboration.

Any cross-organizational team (including employees, residents, volunteers), both individual contributors and managers, is eligible for nomination. The only people excluded are Hartford HealthCare and member organization executives.

2017 Eligibility Guidelines:

Team of 2-30 people (The project may touch many more people, but for purposes of this award, the number of nominated core team members must be in this range)

Must touch at least two HHC partner organizations with potential to spread across the system

Team must include representatives from at least two HHC partner organizations

Must grow from an employee-generated idea (not a system-directed initiative) and can include ideas from huddles, monthly meetings or informal meetings

What's Your Best Practice?

As Hartford HealthCare mobilizes to improve our patient/customer experience, we know that great things are already happening in our offices, on our units and in our patient rooms every day.

The next step is to make sure that these “best practices” are shared across the system so that we can create one exceptional experience at every location that displays the HHC logo.

The HHC Patient Experience Council would like to hear about what you are already doing and what new ideas you have to improve patient experience.

Please help us to spread our best practices by submitting yours for review. Your submission should explain what you are doing and how it has had a measurable impact on improving patient experience.

All submissions should explain how the practice relates to least one of the HHC 2016 Experience focus areas — Service, Communication and Environment.

The council, comprised of leaders across the system, will evaluate every entry. The best of the best will be celebrated at our next patient experience event and the implementation of the practice will be encouraged system-wide.

If you would like to submit a best practice for consideration, please visit our Patient & Customer Experience page on HHC Connect to find answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs) and an electronic submission form. If you have questions, please contact one of HHC’s Strategic Experience Advisors.

An Invitation to Eucharistic Ministers

If you are a trained as a Eucharistic Minister we would love to have you join our volunteer team in spiritual care. We are looking for Eucharistic Ministers who could spend a few hours a month visiting Catholic patients who want to receive communion. It is a great opportunity to connect your own spirituality to your workplace, and it means so much to our patients. If you would like to learn more, please call Chaplain Rolando Hernandez at 860.929.9632 or Chaplain Erica Nierendorf 860.929.9401.

Autumn Worship Services at the Lazowsk/Kiely Multifaith Chapel

The following are special noontime services and occasions in the Lazowsk/Kiely Multifaith Chapel:

Thursday, November 2nd, All Souls Days

We also gather Monday through Friday at noon for prayer/reflection. For information, please contact Spiritual Care at 860.972.2251.

Lazowski/Kiely Multifaith Chapel

Monday through Friday at noon there are services of prayer and reflection in the Lazowski/Kiely Multifaith Chapel. Catholic Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 3:45 pm.

Study for Healthy Teen Girls

The Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center of Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living seeks right-handed teenage girls (ages 12-18) to participate in a MRI-based study on emotion regulation and hormone levels. Only girls who have begun to menstruate and have no history of psychiatric or major medical illnesses will qualify for the study.

Qualified volunteers for the study will participate in an interview, some questionnaires, neuropsychiatric tests and two non-invasive brain imaging scans.

Volunteers will be compensated 20 dollars an hour for their time. Participants are required to come in on two separate days, exactly 2 weeks apart, and appointments are expected to last 6-8 and 3-4 hours, respectively.

For more information, please call 860.545.7788.

Study for Teens with Depression

The Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center of Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living seeks right-handed teenagers (ages 12-18) with currently have depression (Major Depressive Disorder) or who were depressed in the past. We are looking for participants who are not currently taking medication for depression, but other types of treatment and past medications would be ok.

Qualified volunteers for the study will participate in an interview, some questionnaires, neuropsychiatric tests and a non-invasive brain imaging scan.

Volunteers will be compensated 20 dollars an hour for their time. The study is expected to take 6-8 hours total and can be split into separate visits, if desired.

Dr. Taylor from Hartford Hospital, Dr. Pescatello from the UConn Department of Kinesiology and Dr. Puhl from the UConn Rudd Center are conducting a research study to compare the effects of a short-term encounter to media videos on measures of mental and physical heart health in women.

Eligibility for the study requires overweight, premenopausal women who are between the ages 20 and 45, have a body mass index > 30 kg/m2, and do not use tobacco products.

The 2-week study requires three visits to the University of Connecticut or Hartford Hospital for 1) viewing of short media videos; 2) questionnaires on mental and physical heart health; 3) blood pressure and heart rate readings; and 4) blood samples and saliva swabs. Participants who complete the study will be compensated $200 and will receive information on their heart health.

Please call Greg Panza for more information at (860) 972-1507 or email gregory.panza@uconn.edu.

Research study examining the effects of nicotine and menthol on smoking behavior

The FDA could reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, or ban menthol from cigarettes. Investigators from Hartford Hospital and UConn Health are examining the effect of switching to low nicotine or menthol cigarettes on smoking behavior. This study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

To Participate you must:

Be female, age 18 to 45

Currently be smoking at least 5 menthol cigarettes daily for the last year

Participants may receive study cigarettes supplied for 6 weeks and financial compensation up to $276. To participate please contact 860.972.2399.

Recruiting for exercise training study

The Department of Preventive Cardiology is seeking individuals with high blood pressure for an exercise training study. You may qualify if you have (or think you have) high blood pressure; 18 years or older; non-smoker; and currently exercise less than two days per week.

For more information, call Amanda Zaleski at 86-972-3454 or email amanda.zaleski@hhchealth.org. This study is being conducted by Hartford Hospital Department of Preventive Cardiology and the University of Connecticut Department of Kinesiology.

Healthy Volunteers Needed for Research Study

The Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital is recruiting participants with no current or lifetime history of psychiatric problems for a research study.

Participants will be required to complete 2 MRIs within 16 weeks to evaluate how the brain responds to different tasks. Enrolled participants will be compensated up to $125 for their time.

This study is open to adults ages 40 – 65 years old that meet the study criteria.

For more information, please call 860.545.7039 or e-mail ADC.research@hhchealth.org

Health Volunteers Needed for Antibiotic Research Study

Must be a healthy male or female, age 18 or older and meet requirements of the study. Females must be non-pregnant and non-lactating. Parking and monetary compensation will be provided. If you are interested, contact Arlinda Carr at 860.972.6724.

Volunteers needed for a research study aiming to detect cancer earlier

HHC is conducting a research study to determine if a new blood test can be used to detect cancer earlier than standard screening tests. Participants are needed to make a study-related blood donation for laboratory analysis.

You may qualify if: · You are at least 20 years of age · You are not pregnant · You do not feel feverish or have an inflammatory disease · You have never had cancer before (skin cancer other than melanoma is acceptable) OR · You have recently been diagnosed with cancer but have not yet started treatment Qualified participants will receive a $25 check card after their blood donation. To participate please contact 860.972.1588

All testing is conducted in the ERD on the 4th floor, except on competency days, where it will be held on the 1st floor of the ERC in the Informal Lounge. Staff is encouraged to enroll through HealthStream. FIT Testing is an annual requirement. Employees who are required to do a yearly N95 Respirator Fit test will see their due date in HealthStream as their anniversary date of starting at the hospital. When you have completed all three steps, the assignment will automatically reset to the same month next year. Complete your HealthStream module prior to getting the Fit Test portion. If there are any changes to your cardiac or pulmonary health, or if you are a new employee, you must be medically cleared by Occupational Health prior to being Fit Tested. Also, Federal Law prohibits testing of anyone with facial hair that interferes with the mask seal. Please ensure you meet all of these requirements before getting Fit Tested.

Please note: Employees need to complete BOTH an online fit testing course AND an actual mask fit test. Once an employee has completed the online portion of the fit testing, they should follow the instructions to register for the actual mask fit test.

Bereavement Support Group

2nd and 4th Monday of every month through January 22 1 to 2:15 p.m. Room 116, 85 Jefferson Street, Hartford

This group is open to any person who has experienced the loss of a loved one. You are welcome to attend as few or as many as you like; this is a continuous group and is for the purpose of on-going support. Co-facilitated by pastoral counselor Andrea Burr and palliative care chaplain Rev. Erica Richmond.

For more information, call the bereavement line at 860.972.2290 or 860.525.7001.

Offerings from the Institute of Living (IOL) Family Resource Center

All programs, unless otherwise noted, are held in the Massachusetts Cottage, 1st floor Group Room and RSVPs are required to 860.545.7665 or 860.545.7324.

Al Anon Parent Group

Every Thursday 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Anxiety Disorders: An Introduction

December 5 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

This lecture is for families and friends of individuals who have an anxiety disorder or a related disorder. Participants will acquire a basic understanding of anxiety disorders, their treatments and specific suggestions to help them better cope with the illness.

Autism Spectrum Support/Educational Group Meeting for Parents

3rd Wednesday of each month 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Providing a place for parents of children on the autism spectrum, or with another related disorder, to come together and get support and information. Monthly, peer-run support groups interspersed with special guests and speakers to offer additional guidance and perspective.

Bipolar: An Introduction to the Disorder

December 19 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

This program is for family members and friends of individuals who have bipolar or a related disorder. It will present a basic understanding of the disorder, its treatment, along with specific suggestions to help family members and friends better cope with the illness.

Coping with Stress from a New or Chronic Medical Condition

This group is designed for young adults age 17-26 struggling with a new diagnosis, chronic medical conditions, physical symptoms or limitations. The group will help with difficult losses & limitation due to a medical condition, build a positive, future-oriented focus with realistic planning, set goals for a fulfilling & meaningful life, find new opportunities with kindness, understanding and hope, and build a supportive environment between group members.

To RSVP please call Elizabeth Alve-Hedegaard, APRN at 860-545-7050.

Dementia Lecture: An Introduction

October 24 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

This program is for family members and friends of individuals who have dementia or a related disorder. It will present a basic understanding of the disorder, its treatment, along with specific suggestions to help family members and friends better cope with the illness.

Dementia Support and Education Group

Held on the first Tuesday of each month, this group is facilitated by Glynis Cassis, LCSW and Nancy March, LCSW. RSVP by calling 860.545.7665.

Depression: An Introduction to the Disorder

November 7 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

This program is for family and friends of individuals who suffer from depression. It will present a basic understanding of major depression, its treatment, and ways in which family members might better cope with the illness.

Families Dealing with Major Mental IllnessSupport Group

For family and friends of individuals who have schizophrenia, bipolar or other related disorders. Share your success and struggles. Learn to care for yourself while you are caring for others.

LGBTQ Social Support group

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. Center Building, Young Adult Service Group Room

Support group for 16-23 year-olds who identify LGBTQ issues as being prominent in their lives. The goal is to discuss support strategies to manage life challenges.

Schizophrenia: An Introduction to the Disorder

November 21 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

This program is for family members and friends of individuals who have schizophrenia or a related disorder. It will present a basic understanding of the disorder, its treatment, along with specific suggestions to help family members and friends better cope with the illness.

Summer 2017 Tuition Reimbursement

Hartford Hospital will not be offering tuition reimbursement for Summer 2017 as there are no additional funds available.

We anticipate being able to offer tuition reimbursement for fiscal year 2018 (beginning the Fall 2017 semester). Watch for further communications over the summer.

For those employees participating in the Spring 2017 program, grades should be submitted to: HHTuitionReimbursement@hhchealth.org or in Outlook: HH Tuition Reimbursement or fax to Dianne LePore at 860.545.1572.

Summer 2017 Tuition Reimbursement

Hartford Hospital will not be offering tuition reimbursement for Summer 2017 as there are no additional funds available.

We anticipate being able to offer tuition reimbursement for fiscal year 2018 (beginning the Fall 2017 semester). Watch for further communications over the summer.

For those employees participating in the Spring 2017 program, grades should be submitted to: HHTuitionReimbursement@hhchealth.org or in Outlook: HH Tuition Reimbursement or fax to Dianne LePore at 860.545.1572.

Summer 2017 Tuition Reimbursement

Hartford Hospital will not be offering tuition reimbursement for Summer 2017 as there are no additional funds available.

We anticipate being able to offer tuition reimbursement for fiscal year 2018 (beginning the Fall 2017 semester). Watch for further communications over the summer.

For those employees participating in the Spring 2017 program, grades should be submitted to: HHTuitionReimbursement@hhchealth.org or in Outlook: HH Tuition Reimbursement or fax to Dianne LePore at 860.545.1572.